Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Combined meeting
What a fabulous opportunity the first first combined meeting of men's groups in the Blue Mountains turned out to be...We gathered at the Springwood Neighbourhood Centre, muched on a sausage and roll provided by Lee and cooked, with care, by Comrade Geoff, washed it down with some drinks and settled in with coffee and cake to share some experiences of the men's movement. After a couple of getting to know each other exercises, the atmosphere was sufficiently warmed and welcoming to settle into some more serious discussion.
The Men's Shed at Katoomba was strongly represented and gave some insight into both the struggle to establish the shed and the ongoing way in which they meet as men to share life experiences and explore personal growth.
The Mankind Project were similarly keen to share the experience of meeting as a local men's group for nearly five years. Their open and generous description of their personal growth and their passion for the structured programme that allows this development was quite apparent.
Older Men:New Ideas (OM:NI) described their experience operating in the local area and the larger picture for men's issues and the activist approach to addressing issues statewide.
Springwood Men's Project detailed their experience in obtaining funding and the ongoing support for men through Dad's in Distress (DIDS), OM:NI and the ongoing evening group that operates in the centre.
Men's Community Action Forum (MCAF) shared the experience of coordinating activities between the various groups and agencies in the mounatins local area. Details of the plethora of upcoming events for men were discussed. Some logistics were resolved for the impending International Men's Health Week. [brochures for the 200 handout packs asap please]
Thanks to all who contributed to make this an oustanding experience.
Next joint meeting Katoomba
hosted by the Men's Shed.
hosted by the Men's Shed.
